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How to Use the Cisco Webex App

The Cisco Webex app is a communication and collaboration platform that offers video and audio conferencing, direct message and group chat, and telephone functionality from your computer or mobile device.

Note: Cisco incorporated features of its application, Jabber, into Webex. Computing Services is retiring Jabber and tranistioning CMU community members to Webex.

Get Started
Explore Features
FAQ

Get Started

If this is your first time using Webex and you do not have an account in Cisco Jabber, contact tc-help@andrew.cmu.edu to request access.

After you receive access, or if you have used Webex previously, complete the following to download the Cisco Webex Desktop App.

  1. Visit webex.com/downloads.html. 
  2. Download the version that aligns with your device specifications. 
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your download.
    Note: Desktop Support Program customers may have to activate Admin by Request.

We cover the Webex desktop app in this documentation, but Cisco also offers a mobile app. To download, search Webex in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

If you are logging in to Webex for the first time, you may find it easier to log in to the desktop application before you log in to the mobile application.

  1. Open the Cisco Webex Desktop App.
  2. Review and accept the license agreement.
  3. Click Sign in.
  4. Enter your @andrew.cmu.edu email address.
  5. Webex directs you to CMU Web Login. Enter your Andrew userID and password and authenticate with DUO if prompted.
  6. Webex directs you to a Cisco Unified Collaboration log in screen. Enter your Andrew userID and password.
  7. If you are also logged into Jabber, you may also receive a prompt encouraging you to sign in to your phone service on Webex. You can only use the calling feature from one platform at a time.

If you have trouble logging in, email tc-help@andrew.cmu.edu. 

You have access to the entire CMU community from Webex as soon as you log in.

If you created contact lists in Jabber, you should receive a prompt to transfer them as you begin using Webex. To transfer contacts manually, visit Help > Move Data and follow the on-screen instructions.

You are unable to transfer contacts from the mobile application.

Note: You are unable to transfer contacts until Communication Services works with your team to transition from Jabber to Webex.

We recommend applying the following settings:

  • Under Settings > Calling, turn off Answer calls with my video on. 
  • Under Settings > Calling, set Start call with to zoom.us or Webex depending on your team’s preferences.
  1. Click Meetings, and then click Connect.
  2. Click Google Calendar.
  3. Choose your CMU account, and then click Continue.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish connecting.

If your team prefers Webex over Zoom for video conferencing, you can set your default conferencing solution to Webex in Google Calendar.

  1. Open your Google Calendar and click Settings.
  2. Under Add-ons, click Manage Add-ons.
  3. Search Webex and click Install.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

When you create a new meeting, you should now have the option to select Webex meeting and Webex Personal Room meeting under Add video conferencing.

Explore Webex Features

Cisco Webex chat is similar to Jabber chat, but it provides more features. Webex has a more modern, streamlined interface and allows users to create Spaces for team- or topic-based conversations.

Unlike Jabber, Webex also maintains your messaging history even if you reset the application.

Learn more about Webex Messaging.

To use the telephone (softphone) or calling functionality, you must have a CMU telephone number. This feature allows you to take, make, and transfer calls and manage your voicemail from a computer or mobile device.

Learn more about Calling in Webex.

Note: Computing Services does not currently offer Cisco's cloud-based phone system, Webex Calling.

Though Zoom is CMU’s preferred web conferencing platform, some teams may prefer to use Webex Meetings because of its integration with other Webex Features.

Learn more about Webex Meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may use Webex and Jabber at the same time, but you cannot communicate with colleagues across platforms. As we help CMU community members transition from Jabber to Webex, you may find it valuable to continue using Jabber to communicate with colleagues who have not yet transitioned.

You may only use the calling feature on one platform at a time.

  • If you are logged in to Jabber when you first log in to Webex, you will receive a prompt encouraging you to sign in to your phone service on Webex.
  • If you are not logged in to Jabber when you log in to Webex and you have a CMU phone number, Webex should connect automatically.

Communication Services is working with CMU community members throughout the summer of 2024 to transition from Jabber to Webex. We hope to retire Jabber by the end of the calendar year.

While Cisco continues to support Jabber, they do not intend to develop new features. They have positoned Webex as the recommended application.

Universities across the country are switching to Webex to take advantage of its cloud capabilities, operational efficiency, and improved experience.

No, your Jabber chat history will not transfer to Webex. Jabber stores your chat history locally, and deletes it every time you reset the application.